What Can You Buy With Bitcoin Today?

You can now spend Bitcoin—not just hold it. And for many, the first step is the safe way to buy Bitcoin (BTC) with debit or credit cards, Paypal or whatever you choose before exploring how to use it. Others look for the simplest method to purchase cryptocurrency online, whether through a wallet app, bank transfer, or crypto platform. Over 15,000 businesses globally accept Bitcoin directly or via payment services.

Bitcoin’s path from speculative asset to usable money relies on payment infrastructure. Many merchants don’t want the price swings (volatility), so they use processors that convert Bitcoin into local currency instantly. That way, you get the benefit, and they avoid risk.

You’ll see acceptance in retail, travel, and digital services. Big names include Home Depot, Microsoft, and IKEA via crypto-friendly gateways. Travel platforms like Travala and CheapAir let you book flights or hotels with Bitcoin. And you don’t always need a merchant that “officially” accepts crypto. You can use crypto debit cards or buy gift cards with Bitcoin and then spend them as usual.

In short: Bitcoin is becoming more spendable. This guide will show what you can buy now, how it works, and what to watch out for.

Everyday Goods & Services You Can Buy

You can use Bitcoin to purchase common goods and services today.

Online retail and electronics (hardware, software)

Major online stores accept Bitcoin directly or via crypto payment gateways. For example, Newegg sells computer parts using crypto. Home Depot and IKEA also allow payments via crypto-enabled checkout systems. Even software vendors and digital goods platforms partner with crypto payment services.

Subscriptions, digital services, and entertainment

You can pay for streaming, cloud storage, or gaming subscriptions with Bitcoin. Platforms like Microsoft’s Xbox Store accept it. Twitch also lets users tip or subscribe using crypto.

Food, dining, and grocery via crypto-friendly apps

Some restaurants and food delivery services let you pay with Bitcoin or gift cards funded by Bitcoin. Uber Eats and DoorDash support crypto-funded prepaid gift cards. DevourGO has integrated crypto payments via Coinbase Commerce. And grocery options like Whole Foods can be accessed via payment apps built on crypto rails (e.g. Flexa/Spedn).

These categories show how Bitcoin moves from theory to real spending. Next we’ll explore travel and experiences you can book or enjoy via crypto.

Luxury, Big-Ticket & Niche Assets

You can spend Bitcoin even on high-value items—if the seller accepts it.

Cars, watches, jewelry, designer goods
Some luxury auto dealers now take Bitcoin. For example, Post Oak Motors lets clients buy high-end cars with crypto. BitPay lists dealerships for autos and bikes that accept Bitcoin. O’Gara Coach allows paying for brands like Bugatti via BitPay. Even watch sellers and designer boutiques occasionally accept crypto via payment gateways.

Real estate and property purchases
You can buy homes or land with Bitcoin in select deals. Platforms like RealOpen let you keep crypto control until closing. Some projects convert property ownership into digital tokens (tokenized real estate) so you can own fractions of buildings via blockchain.

Unexpected assets: racehorses, biohacking, tokenized assets
Bitcoin has even entered exotic territory. You might invest in tokenized assets—like art, sports teams, or biotech projects—via blockchain platforms. Tokenization means turning real-world assets into tradeable digital tokens.

Still, these high-end uses are rare and come with legal or procedural hurdles. But they show how far crypto spending has advanced.

Indirect Spending Channels

You don’t always need a merchant that directly accepts Bitcoin. These methods help you spend crypto indirectly.

Crypto debit cards and how they work (instant conversion)
Crypto debit cards let you pay like a normal card. When you make a purchase, the card or backend system instantly converts Bitcoin (or another crypto) into local currency. Nexo offers a card that links your crypto wallet and handles conversion at checkout. MetaMask has a card that lets you spend crypto anywhere Mastercard is accepted. KazePay also supports automatic conversion when you use the card.

Gift card marketplaces and voucher platforms
You can purchase gift cards using Bitcoin, then use them at standard retailers. Bitrefill lets you buy gift cards for brands like Amazon, Starbucks, Netflix with crypto. CoinsBee supports thousands of gift card options in many countries.

Peer-to-peer transactions & local crypto-for-goods
In peer-to-peer (P2P) marketplaces, you trade directly with someone else. You can buy goods or vouchers and pay them in Bitcoin. Paxful is a well-known P2P platform. Some local communities trade goods for crypto. Or you might find someone in your area willing to accept Bitcoin for items or services.

These indirect channels expand what you can buy even in places where merchants don’t yet accept crypto.

Challenges, Risks & Practical Limits

Volatility and pricing opacity can undermine confidence. Bitcoin’s price swings are large—even daily shifts of 2 –5  are common. Because merchants often demand price certainty, many use payment processors that convert BTC to fiat instantly. But that adds complexity and reliance on third parties.

Transaction speed and scaling remain bottlenecks. On the main Bitcoin network, blocks form roughly every 10 minutes. Congested periods can push fees high, making small payments impractical. The Lightning Network (a “layer-2” solution) handles small and fast payments off the main chain. But it has its own limits: channels need liquidity, nodes must stay online, and routing across many nodes can fail or incur fees.

Regulatory and geographic constraints restrict usage. In some countries, crypto is banned or heavily taxed. In others, banks refuse to interface with crypto payments. You may need extra legal steps or disclosures.

These factors mean Bitcoin is still not universally usable everywhere. But with care and proper tools, many of these barriers can be mitigated.

Conclusion & Recommendations for Spenders

You can spend Bitcoin in more places than ever, but the smartest approach is selective. Everyday goods, travel bookings, and even cars or homes are possible with crypto. And indirect tools like debit cards or gift card platforms make Bitcoin usable almost anywhere.

But always weigh the costs. Volatility can make a purchase seem cheap one day and expensive the next. Transaction fees may eat into smaller buys, especially during busy periods. Using the Lightning Network or debit cards can reduce that friction.

Check local laws before paying in Bitcoin. Some regions welcome crypto, while others restrict or tax it heavily. Researching ahead avoids legal or financial headaches.

A practical rule: use Bitcoin for experiences or items where convenience or novelty matters more than precise cost savings. For long-term value storage, holding Bitcoin may serve you better. Or mix methods—spend small amounts for everyday needs, hold larger amounts as investment.

In the end, Bitcoin gives you a choice. Understanding where it fits best in your financial life ensures you spend it wisely and confidently.